He must marry her," said the man.

She has no friends. We have no one. After all--Two women.--So

helpless."

And this fair-haired little figure was the woman that people who knew

her only from her books, called bold, prurient even! Simply because

she was great-hearted--intellectual. He was overcome by the unspeakable

pathos of her position.

"Mrs. Milton," he said. "Hetty!"

She glanced at him. The overflow was imminent. "Not now," she said, "not

now. I must find her first."

"Yes," he said with intense emotion. (He was one of those big, fat men

who feel deeply.) "But let me help you. At least let me help you."

But can you spare time?" she said. "For ME."

For you--"

But what can I do? what can WE do?"

Go to Midhurst. Follow her on. Trace her. She was there on Thursday

night, last night. She cycled out of the town. Courage!" he said. "We

135

The Wheels of Chance